Obesity Flashcards
List some of the medical complications of obesity
Stroke Heart disease Diabetes Cancer Osteoarthritis Hypertension Fatty liver disease
Describe the trend in obesity
It is increasing with time
Also in kids
What is the link between social-economic status and obesity
The more deprived the area, the higher the rate of obesity
Which subgroups are at high risk of obesity
Socioeconomically deprived Children with obese parents Pregnant women Smoking quitters Physically inactive Certain ethnic groups Genetic predisposition
What are the main environmental drivers of obesity
Increased supply of cheap and energy dense food
Increased distribution of food - access and convenience
More persuasive food marketing
What is the main way obesity is classified
BMI cut offs
Above 30 is high risk
Obesity is associated with a wide range of comorbidities - true or false
TRUE
How does obesity leads to diabetes
Become insulin resistant as the body doesn’t want to keep laying down glucose stores
Pancreas releases more insulin as it tries to compensate
The beta cells in the pancreas eventually give up and they become hyperinsulinemia and diabetic
Describe the role of leptin
Tells your brain the fat content of the body
If leptin isn’t produced then your brain thinks you are starving and stimulates you to eat
What is the one drug available for the treatment of obesity in the UK
Orlistat
What are the dietary strategies for tackling obesity
Hypocaloric diets
- portion control or calorie counting
- low fat or carb
- VLCD
- Meal replacement
How does orlistat work
Inhibits lipase so it cannot break down fats
Therefore fat is not absorbed
Fat is excreted instead
Describe the available bariatric surgeries
Usually last resort
Can be restrictive (bands or sleeves) or malabsorptive (bypass)
How does resting metabolic rate affect weight loss
RMR is the amount of energy expended at rest
It is high in obese people
As you loss weight your RMR lowers too so it’s harder to lose weight
Called adaptive thermogenesis
